Global Common Law Systems

LAWS8214

6 Units of Credit

This course is an overview of the functioning of common law systems for lawyers trained in other systems, and also to students without training in law, with an emphasis on the legal system in Australia and other common law jurisdictions. Its objective is to frame Australian law in its broader context, from two perspectives. The first is to offer a comparative law perspective, since Australia is part of only one legal family, the common law. The second perspective arises from international law, given the ever-increasing interaction between Australian law and other legal systems, and the influence of international law in Australia. The course will also contain a significant essay writing component, to prepare students to, in their other courses, think critically and academically in the Australian context.

Main Topics:

The Australian Legal System, the Court System, Reading Cases

Introduction to Comparative Law and Legal Transplantation (Including the Reception of English Law in NSW)

Origins of the Common Law, Doctrine of Precedent

Federalism and the Status of Indigenous Law

The Relationships between Domestic and International Law in the Common Law World

Equity in the Common Law World through the Perspective of Private International Law

Fees

Please note that the University reserves the right to vary student fees in line with relevant legislation. This fee information is provided as a guide and more specific information about fees, including fee policy, can be found on the fee website. For advice about fees for courses with a fee displayed as "Not Applicable", including some Work Experience and UNSW Canberra at ADFA courses, please contact the relevant Faculty. Fees for courses delivered through UNSW Global are published and charged by UNSW Global and thus appear as "Not Applicable" on this site. Where a Commonwealth Supported Students fee is displayed it doesn't guarantee such places are available.